Modular synthesizer

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Sine, square, triangle, and sawtooth waveforms

The modular synthesizer is a type of synthesizer consisting of separate modules which must be connected by wires to create a so-called patch. These synthesizers are very flexible. Every output generates an electric current of variable voltage. All inputs expect a voltage, so that almost any combination of connections between the modules is allowed and valid.

There exist many different modules and even the modules with the same function have different inputs and output on various models. But there are some standards which manufactures followed for their range of synthesizers. Connecting synthesizers from different manufactures often requires converters however.

Some standard modules found on almost any modular synth are:

VCO - Voltage-controlled oscillator, which will play a note in a simple waveform (most usually a square wave or a sawtooth wave, but also includes pulse waves and sine waves.
VCF - Voltage-controlled filter, which cuts away all sounds below (high-pass), above (low-pass) or both below and above (band-pass) a certain frequency.
VCA - Voltage-controlled amplifier, which controls the amplitude or overall volume.
Envelope generator - this circuit, on receiving a trigger pulse, produces a voltage which changes in a predictable, repeatable manner over time. It can be triggered either manually (for example, by an electronic keyboard) or automatically (for example, by a sequencer). The envelope is most commonly used to control the volume of the sound, by routing it to the level of the VCA, and the timbre of the sound, by routing it to the VCF. This could be used to simulate the volume and timbre contour of natural decaying sounds such as a piano. The patchable structure of the synthesizer makes it possible to use the envelope generator to modulate other parameters such as the pitch of the VCO, the width of the pulse wave on the VCO and so on. The most common form of envelope contour is the ADSR, although some electronic instruments, such as those produced by Buchla & Associates or the Wiard Synthesizer Company use the simpler AD or AR contour which can be mixed to form an ADSR envelope.
LFO - Low-frequency oscillator, from which the output is a low frequency waveform, most usually a sine or triangle wave, usually used as a control for some other module (for instance, to modulate the frequency of the VCO's output).
Ring modulator - Two audio inputs are utilized to create sum and different frequencies. This gives the sound a "robotic" quality.
Mixer, a module that combines multiple signals into one.
Sample and hold, which takes a snapshot of the input voltage on a trigger pulse and keeps it steady even when the input voltage changes.
Sequencer, which produces a sequence of notes, usually a music loop.
Slew Limiter - smooths off the peaks of voltages. This can be used to create glide or portamento between notes. Can also work as a primitive low-pass filter.

Modular synthesizers were largely replaced by highly integrated keyboard synthesizers, racks of MIDI-connected gear, and samplers. However, there continues to be a loyal following of musicians and manufacturers who prefer the physically-patched approach and flexibility of traditional modulars.

The earliest commercial modular synthesizers were developed, in parallel, by Moog modular synthesizer, and Buchla in 1963. The synthesizer broadened the spectrum of possible electronic music, which before was made via tape splicing and the theremin. ARP, Serge, and EMS versions were soon to follow. In 1976, the Japanese company Roland came out with the System 700.

1 Modern manufacturers of modular synthesizer hardware (alphabetical)
2 Modular synthesizer software (alphabetical)
3 Semi modular synthesizers
4 Hybrid modular synthesizers
5 External links

[edit] Modern manufacturers of modular synthesizer hardware (alphabetical)

Analogue Solutions (Concussor)
Analogue Systems (RS Integrator)
Bananalogue
Blacet Research
Buchla & Associates (200e)
Club of the knobs
Curetronic
Cyndustries (Cynthia)
Doepfer Musikelektronik (A-100)
Elby
Modcan
Oakley Sound Systems
PAiA Electronics
Sound Transform Systems (Serge) (Sound Transform Systems does not currently maintain a web page. Link leads to fan site w/comprehensive information on Serge synthesizer)
Synthesis Technology (MOTM)
Synthesizers.com
Technosaurus
Wiard Synthesizer Company

Hardware offerings range from complete systems in cases to kits for hobbeyist DIY constructors. Many manufacturers augment their range with products based on recent re-designs of classic modules; often both the original and subsequent reworked designs are available free on the WWW, the original patents having lapsed. Many hobeyist designers also make available bare PCB boards and front panels for sale to other hobbeyists.

[edit] Modular synthesizer software (alphabetical)

ARP 2600 by Arturia
ChucK
CreamwareAudio Modular III
Csound
jMax
MaxMSP
Moog Modular V by Arturia
pure data
Reaktor
RolloSONIC
SpiralSynthModular
SuperCollider
SynthEdit
SynFactory
SynthMaker
Tassman by Applied Acoustics Systems
Vaz Modular

Computers have grown so powerful and inexpensive that software programs can realistically model the signals, sounds, and patchability of modulars very well. While potentially lacking the physical presence of oft desirable analog sound generation, real voltage manipulation, knobs, sliders, cables, and LEDs, software modular synthesizers offer the infinite variations and visual patching at a more affordable price and in a compact form factor.

[edit] Semi modular synthesizers

A modular synthesizer has a case or frame into which arbitrary modules can be plugged; modules are usually connected together using patch cords and a system may include modules from different sources, as long as it fits the form factors of the case and uses the the same electrical specifications.

A semi modular synthesizer is a collection of modules from a single manufacturer that makes a cohesive product. Modules may not be swapped out and often a typical configuration has be pre-wired, however the manufacturer provides mechanisms to allow the user to connect modules in different orders.

[edit] Matrix Systems

Matrix systems use pin matrixes or other crosspoint switches rather than patch cords. Historic examples with pin matrixes include the EMS Synthi 100, EMS VCS-3, ETI Internation 4600, Maplin 5600. The Arp 2500 used a matrix switch.

[edit] Patch Override Systems

The different modules of a semi modular synthesizer are wired together into a typical configuration, but can be re-wired by the user using patch cords. Some examples are the Arp 2600, Anyware Instruments Semtex, the Cwejman S1, Korg MS-10, MS-20 and MS-50.

[edit] Electronically Reconfigurable Systems

Reconfigurable systems allow certain signals to routed through modules in different orders. Examples include the Oberheim Matrix and Rhodes Chroma, and Moog Voyager.